Mark Hughes and Jurgen Klopp are set to go head to head again (Picture: Getty Images)

No-one has a better League Cup record than Liverpool.

This season it represents their best chance of buying Jurgen Klopp some much needed time to reroute the club towards its former glories.

A clean sheet will be enough to take them to Wembley having edged out Stoke at the Britannia but, after the slapstick defending on display in the 5-4 win at Norwich, we can assume that Klopp won’t be playing for the 0-0.

Remarkably, Liverpool have conceded from the first effort on goal in all four league matches in 2016, with set pieces a particular problem.

This will be music to Stoke’s ears, although Ryan Shawcross (injured at the weekend) will be missed. Marko Arnautovic is hoping to be fit enough to join another of this season’s stars – Xherdan Shaqiri – who returned at Leicester having missed the four previous games. The other member of their holy trinity, Bojan Krkic, was rested at the King Power.

Liverpool have already beaten Stoke twice this season (1-0 both times). Jordan Ibe proved the difference in the first-leg, but will face claims for a starting role from Saturday’s match winner Adam Lallana. His 95th minute strike was his first in the Premier League this season.

Prediction: The momentum is with Liverpool. 1-1 (Liverpool go through 2-1 on aggregate).

The stats

Liverpool have conceded from their first shot on target in all four of their Premier League games in 2016.

Stoke have conceded two or more goals in four of their last five away games in the Premier League.

Jordon Ibe has scored three times this season. All have arrived in cup competitions.

Stoke have failed to score in three of their last four v Premier League opposition, and in half of their matches v teams above them.

Liverpool have conceded eight goals from corner situations in 2015-16. A Premier League high.

Stoke have played Liverpool six times in the League Cup (D1, L5).

Team news

Liverpool

Dejan Lovren has re-joined the group but, providing Kolo Toure and Mamadou Sakho are okay then the Croatian will have to settle for a place on the bench after missing the last three-weeks.

Jon Flanagan is ready to come in at right-back after Nathaniel Clyne took a knock to the knee at Carrow Road on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp named a strong line-up at the Britannia and expect a similar set-up here as the Reds aim for Wembley.